Entering a desert encampment after sunset, you see only the glowing Berber tents carpeted with kilims. Cumin-scented stew simmers over a campfire. And away from the native singers and the circle of light, the sky is simply amazing. Not until a morning breeze stirs your tent’s flap do you see in full light how stunning your desert setting is. Our Morocco travel adventure is full of surprises and this is just one of the many we share with you. Colossal Saharan dunes. Cool cedar-forested mountains. Narrow gorges with ribbon-like oases in their depths. And the Kasbah? It’s the word for fortress and a restored one from the Middle Ages is actually one of our hotels. The marvelous news is that, for all its surprises and adventure, Morocco travel also delivers everything you expect. We take in the vivid, noisy markets as we travel. Morocco offers warm hospitality from a culture accustomed to the diversity of Berber, Arab, Jewish, African and Mediterranean influences. You may also be surprised to know that the climate is moderate; this is the coolest and most welcoming of the African nations.

Picture yourself...

Wandering the labyrinthine streets of the medinas

Strolling the crest of colossal sand dunes

Rambling lush pathways in a river gorge

Itinerary at a glance

DAYS 1-2 - FÈSWe spend the first two nights in Fès, Morocco. Guided tours here include a fascinating exploration of the labyrinthine 9th century Medina and dine at La Maison Bleue, one of Morocco’s finest restaurants.

DAYS 3-4 - ERFOUD / MERZOUGACrossing the Atlas Mountains to Erfoud (1 night), the landscape changes from cedar forest to pre-Saharan hills. The next day, we travel by Land Rover for a remarkable walk along the 1,000-foot-high sand dunes of Merzouga. As the sun sets, we are welcomed into the land of the Blue men—a camp where we spend a night in tented Berber lodgings (1 night).

DAYS 5-6 - OUARZAZATEFollowing the desert’s edge, we enter the spectacular gorges of the Todra River for a scenic amble and a memorable lunch. In Ouarzazate (2 nights), our hotel rooms are carved from stone and overlook a wind-sculpted landscape that offers fascinating walks.

DAYS 7-9 - MARRAKESHThe road to Marrakesh (2 nights) traverses Morocco’s highest mountain pass. En route, we’ll visit a remarkable clay city on the caravan trail to Timbuktu. In Marrakesh, there are lush gardens to explore…snake charmers and fortune tellers…and shopping in the world-famous souks for carpets, tribal jewelry and Moroccan crafts. On our final evening, we’re treated to cocktails and dinner in an elegant private residence.

The Moroccan climate is very temperate in the late spring and early fall, but it can get quite cold at night in the winter and fall. In March, May and September the temperature averages in the high 60s to low 90s. In November and December the daytime temperature is usually in the middle to high 60s.

Arrange for 6-full paying friends to travel together and receive 25% off one trip.

Hotels

Hotel Sahrai

On a hill between the Fes Medina and the New Town, this boutique hotel has unparalleled views. Light-flooded rooms are decorated with a contemporary twist on Moroccan design. Facilities include an infinity pool, fitness center and Givenchy spa.

Palais du Desert Hotel & Spa

Set in a palm grove, this all-suite oasis captures the contemporary spirit of Morocco. The generous rooms are decorated in desert colors. There’s a glistening pool for cooling off after a day in the Sahara, and the fine spa includes a classic hammam.

Berber Encampment

The luxury Berber encampment in situated in the dunes of the Sahara and offers accommodation in large nomadic tents made of hand-woven camel and goat hair. For your comfort, tents are ecorated with mattresses, colorful fabrics, Berber kilims and lanterns.

Berbere Palace

Considered the best in the desert, this hotel is designed as a typical walled Moroccan village. Rooms are scattered throughout the beautifully manicured gardens, while the main building houses props from the many movies shot in and around Ouarzazate.

Les Jardins De La Koutoubia

In the heart of the Marrakesh medina, this elegant and authentic property both elegant and authentic. In graceful Moroccan style, most rooms face an inner patio that contains a gorgeous pool. The hotel also boasts a serene Clarins spa.